Course DescriptionsPlease see the Course Descriptions section of this catalog. Courses offered by the Department of History include those with the following designations: GEOG, HIST.

The Department of History offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in history, the Bachelor of Science degree in History (One-Field Teacher Certification Grades 8-12) and social studies for teachers (Grades 8-12). A minor in history or ethnic and women’s studies may be added to other majors.

Introduction

The Department of History seeks to help students comprehend the present state of the world through a study of some of the essential currents of the past. The department strives to provide an understanding of the experiences of mankind, to stimulate thought concerning various institutions and ideas, and to promote ethical standards in keeping with the Christian faith.

There is an attractive future for those who specialize in history, including such areas as the following:

College Teaching. This is one of the most desirable careers for history majors. For those who go on to a master’s degree, openings may be available in junior colleges. Senior college positions may be available to those who attain the PhD.

Government Service. Careers for historians exist in local, state and federal governments.

Graduate Studies. History is an exceptionally good area for preparation for graduate studies in fields that require broad, liberal arts education at the undergraduate level.Journalism. History is splendid preparation for students who seek graduate study and careers in journalism.

Law. History is one of several fields especially suitable as pre-law education.Museums, Archives and Libraries. The creation of special documents collections, presidential libraries, research centers and historical society museums has increased opportunities for persons with history training. Additional technical training may be required.

High School Teaching. Teaching history in high schools requires state certification. Certification may be obtained by combining the Bachelor of Arts degree in history with specific education courses needed for teacher certification or by completing the Bachelor of Science degree in social studies for teachers (Grades 8-12).

Study Abroad Expectations

All students are encouraged to participate in ACU’s Study Abroad program. Classes offered at Study Abroad sites vary depending on the site. Academic advisors can assist students in planning ahead for their Study Abroad experience and should be consulted during the freshman year.

HIST 496 History for Teachers ..............................................................................

18 hours of advanced history evenly distributed between U.S. history, ancient/European history, and non-European world cultures; must include one writing-intensive course ..................................................................................

3

3

3

3

18

TOTAL ....................................................................................................................

Before taking more than 6 hours of any combination of EDUC classes, a student must first be admitted to the Teacher Education Program.

To be admitted to the Teacher Education Program, a student must:

Complete and submit an application for admission into the Teacher Education Program;

Be enrolled in or have completed the first 45 semester hours of credit;

Successfully complete with a C or better 12 hours in the candidate’s chosen content field;

Have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.7 (2.7 or higher in the content field);

Complete 6 hours of University Core English with no grade lower than a “C” (in order to maintain admission status, the candidate must earn a C or better in all core English courses);

Pass all three sections of the Texas Higher Education assessment (THEA) test, with a score on the reading section of 260 or higher, a score on the math section of 230 or higher and a score on the writing section of 240 or higher. Students may retake the THEA once if the required level is not earned in the first administration. Acceptance of scores from a third administration of the THEA are subject to review by the Teacher Education Admissions Committee;

Be enrolled in or successfully complete (“C” or better) EDUC 211 Educational Foundations and Multicultural Perspectives (If admitted before completion of EDUC 211, admission will be contingent upon completing the course with a “C” or better. In the event that the student does not complete this course successfully, admission to the program will be suspended until this requirement is fulfilled.);

Successfully complete the first submission of the Teacher Education E-Portfolio as described in the ACU Teacher Education Student Handbook;

Complete the University Core Speech requirement with a B or better;

Declare a major that includes certification;

Receive approval from the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee. An interview with the committee may be required.

Any exemptions or modifications to the above requirements due to special circumstances must be requested through the chair of the Department of Teacher Education. All requests will be reviewed and must be approved by the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee. In addition, admission to teacher education is not the final step in the process. In order to remain in the program, the prospective teacher must continue to meet the GPA requirement (2.7). Approval to take Education Block classes (411/412 and 431/432) and to enroll in student teaching must be obtained from the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee before enrolling in those classes.

Other Teacher Education Requirements:

In order to remain in the Teacher Education Program, an overall GPA of 2.70, 2.70 GPA in the content field, and continued approval of the Teacher Education Admissions Committee must be maintained.

A grade of "C" or better is required for all majors courses.

Junior and senior transfer students must take the thea and be admitted to the teacher education program during their first semester at abilene christian university to continue in professional education course work. Arrangements to take the thea should be made as quickly as possible by contacting the office of career and academic development.

Before taking more than 6 hours of any combination of EDUC classes, a student must first be admitted to the Teacher Education Program.

To be admitted to the Teacher Education Program, a student must:

Complete and submit an application for admission into the Teacher Education Program;

Be enrolled in or have completed the first 45 semester hours of credit;

Successfully complete with a C or better 12 hours in the candidate’s chosen content field;

Have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.7 (2.7 or higher in the content field);

Complete 6 hours of University Core English with no grade lower than a “C” (in order to maintain admission status, the candidate must earn a C or better in all core English courses);

Pass all three sections of the Texas Higher Education assessment (THEA) test, with a score on the reading section of 260 or higher, a score on the math section of 230 or higher and a score on the writing section of 240 or higher. Students may retake the THEA once if the required level is not earned in the first administration. Acceptance of scores from a third administration of the THEA are subject to review by the Teacher Education Admissions Committee;

Be enrolled in or successfully complete (“C” or better) EDUC 211 Educational Foundations and Multicultural Perspectives (If admitted before completion of EDUC 211, admission will be contingent upon completing the course with a “C” or better. In the event that the student does not complete this course successfully, admission to the program will be suspended until this requirement is fulfilled.);

Successfully complete the first submission of the Teacher Education E-Portfolio as described in the ACU Teacher Education Student Handbook;

Complete the University Core Speech requirement with a B or better;

Declare a major that includes certification;

Receive approval from the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee. An interview with the committee may be required.

Any exemptions or modifications to the above requirements due to special circumstances must be requested through the chair of the Department of Teacher Education. All requests will be reviewed and must be approved by the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee. In addition, admission to teacher education is not the final step in the process. In order to remain in the program, the prospective teacher must continue to meet the GPA requirement (2.7). Approval to take Education Block classes (411/412 and 431/432) and to enroll in student teaching must be obtained from the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee before enrolling in those classes.

Other Teacher Education Requirements:

In order to remain in the Teacher Education Program, an overall GPA of 2.70, 2.70 GPA in the content field, and continued approval of the Teacher Education Admissions Committee must be maintained.

A grade of "C" or better is required for all majors courses.

Junior and senior transfer students must take the thea and be admitted to the teacher education program during their first semester at abilene christian university to continue in professional education course work. Arrangements to take the thea should be made as quickly as possible by contacting the office of career and academic development.